6spd or auto?

[caleb]

which tranny will you be going with? I'm torn for the comfort of an auto vs the fun of a 6spd.

[wayoflife]

I almost ordered a JK with an auto but after test driving one and after much consideration, I decided to go 6-speed.

[CJ2a]

Jeeps and Slushboxes sound like an abomination to me. Then again, 6 speeds? What they really need is 4 speeds and an overdrive unit. (^_^) And twin stick transfer cases! Yea, four levers on the floor, NOW THATS A JEEP!

[joss097]

I wish I ordered mine qith the manual but my wife won't agree. Always do what your wife tells you!!! So...

[wayoflife]

I wish I ordered mine qith the manual but my wife won't agree. Always do what your wife tells you!!! So...
don't fret, the autos are actually really great on the trail - at least you won't be burning out any clutches or stalling at the wrong time :yup:

[Ge99ne]

I second way of life here. Torque converter is better at absorbing short term abuse than clutch. Two things pushed me towards the auto this time. Sixth gear just seemed a waste, plus the stick I test drove was very resistant to going back into first.

[ericdewayne]

6 speed is gonna way too much fun to turn it down!

[JByer323]

I'll probably end up with the standard, just because it's a hoot to drive. Both have their plusses and minuses.

[MDPJeep]

We've got a 5 speed in the CJ and an auto in the Rubi and all things being equal, on the trails and rocks, I'll take the automatic !! JMHO

[Nozz]

Just like my old Rubi, its all mine. I don't have to take the van to work, yessss.

[dc_Minnesota]

I wish I ordered mine qith the manual but my wife won't agree. Always do what your wife tells you!!! So...
ditto. i'm amazing how easily i was able to convince her on the wrangler (new updates sold it), but the manual wasn't gonna happen, but i knew that long ago.

[ThrottleJunkie]

I'm gonna go for the 6 speed cuz an auto gets boring after a while.

[over's tj]

for me, the type of trails/rocks and hills we play on I always prefer an auto trans (as long as the new one proves itself strong enough)

If you survey the guys ang gals who do the more "extreme" trails like southwest rockcrawling and Moab (not to mention comp. rockcrawling/racing)
they prefer an auto trans

in general auto's are safer in most off roading situations

the last 5 or so years the auto trans has shifted as the new standard

a manual trans may be perfect for you depending on your needs, nice low gearing with a stick is hard to beat in alot of situations

but don't let the macho thing decide what is best for the type and amount of wheeling you do

[th9596]

I've always driven manual transmissions, in everything from the cheap, flashy Subaru I had when I was single in New York, to the 4WD pickup I had most recently, and I enjoy it and like the extra control. I'm willing to pay for auto and see the advantages -- but my question is this: I've seen some reviews of this and older Wranglers that imply manual gives you more pep at the stoplight and on hills on the highways -- anything to that? thanks! enjoying this thread

[over's tj]

on the road a manual is in most cases:

-quicker
-better fuel millage, if driven wisley
-more fun
-more control, in some situations
-can last longer


above applies in general and IMO if my '07 Wrangler was to be driven on road the most with mild to moderate off road use I would go for the 6-speed manual


but in recent years the automatics have gained alot of ground in how hi-tec they are and how many gears they have (there is a 8 speed from lexus I think)

the newest autos get milage as good or better then the manuals and they dont sap as much power before it gets to the wheels

they shift so quick and seemless its amazing

I havent driven an auto JK yet but being a four speed and the price point It likley has noticable shifts and hunts for gears on the road on hills etc.

*Should of mentioned on last post, an auto trans absorbs severe drivline shock when off road better then an manual (apples to apples a stick will break more driveline parts if you wheel hard with big tires and low gears)

*auto trans is not the best on steep down hill wheeling, not as much engine/compression braking

[Scooter_Trash]

My YJ was a auto and I swore that my next Jeep would be a manual. Wasn
't married when I swore that though. In other words, I got an auto this time. That's ok, it drives so much better than the YJ ever did.

[scrambler013]

Nothing but a standard for me. Personally I think this one shifts better and smoother than my 5 speed XJ, or my YJ. But that is just me.


Scrambler

[grundrc]

I've always driven manual transmissions, in everything from the cheap, flashy Subaru I had when I was single in New York, to the 4WD pickup I had most recently, and I enjoy it and like the extra control. I'm willing to pay for auto and see the advantages -- but my question is this: I've seen some reviews of this and older Wranglers that imply manual gives you more pep at the stoplight and on hills on the highways -- anything to that? thanks! enjoying this thread
I think the reviews you read are right on about a manual. Clearly, you have more control over the torque you generate. That is one of the things I missed when I converted my TJ from a manual to auto. But, I still have no regrets. I drove the manual for 8 years. It was fun. But, now I'm lazy and am willing to sacrifice some control for decreased leg and arm fatique.

[RJSTJ]

I second way of life here. Torque converter is better at absorbing short term abuse than clutch. Two things pushed me towards the auto this time. Sixth gear just seemed a waste, plus the stick I test drove was very resistant to going back into first.

Safty feature so that stupid people don't down shift to 1st going 50 mph.

[da_jeep]

I think the reviews you read are right on about a manual. Clearly, you have more control over the torque you generate. That is one of the things I missed when I converted my TJ from a manual to auto. But, I still have no regrets. I drove the manual for 8 years. It was fun. But, now I'm lazy and am willing to sacrifice some control for decreased leg and arm fatique.

I agree here. I have driven stick cars and jeeps for 26 years. This year I went on some of the hardest trails going (4+ and higher) and begged to have an auto after them as my feet and hand were getting sore from feathering clutch and stalling to restart on a 45 degree ++ obstacle, slipping of and having to start again. Now I know why many chose auto for extreme rockcrawling. I want to concentrate on the obstacle and not have to patiently feather gas and clutch time and time during and obstacle. I love my totaly not stock 90 YJ with ax15 but I do like my wifes new JK unlimited rubi in rescue green with auto. Can't wait to jack it up and get it on trail! :)

PS, this winter I am going to change my AX15 / 231 to a 99 auto with 2005 rubi 241 rocktrack transfer case eventhough on the street I love launching and burning rubber changing gears with my supercharged 4.0L, wich really suprises people!

[papabear]

Call me Lazy, Auto:yup:

[Dean]

Gotta economize. Better MPG, cheaper price, faster off the line, total control. 6-spd.

[daytondb]

Auto. My wife refuses to learn how to drive stick. I was pleased that there is room for my leg to use the clutch. My shin kept hitting the the lower part of the dash with my TJ making it a real pain in the butt to change gears.

[spacenut]

I got the auto with mine because thats what they had in stock. I would have bought it either way both have there pro's and cons.

[jkmon]

I can't decide, my TJ is a manual but for the JK, I'm 50/50 only cause my wife will be driving it and I still have to teach her how to drive, after 18 yrs she is finally going for her license. Auto would probably be easier, but I hate driving auto.

[Fuzzy™]

6spd... :p

[Archer]

Just like my old Rubi, its all mine. I don't have to take the van to work, yessss.

Exactly :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: by siskle and ebert. Wife didn't want to take the time to be taught stick...she don't get to play behind the wheel of the new ride!

[Jeephrog]

I wish I ordered mine qith the manual but my wife won't agree. Always do what your wife tells you!!! So...

Yeah, I wanted a 6-spd but my wife wouldn't go for it either.

[HEK]

6 spd for me, lucky the wife can drive stick... :rotflmao1:

[Zebco99]

Guys and Gals.......
There are always those who love the manual trans and those who love stick...I have used both and I find running on the trails that I hit up here in the "Great White North" that the auto is the way to go. I ripped the 5speed out of my YJ and now run a 3 speed auto on the trails with a B&M sports ratchet shifter..
The Rubi I have ordered is going to have an Auto.
When you are almost upside down on a slope stuck on a rock and "between it and a hard place" and a large tree up against your door.... clutching can suck sometimes......well actually.... alot of times.
A great deal of people in the club I belong to are switching to auto. I think that If you are serious about offroading with "ease" that the Auto is the way to go. If you plan on taking it off the line faster than the modified Honda beside you , or running the highway and alot of town streets ? then the manual is the way to go. .....(then again we still have the hard liners in the club that swear by the manual for off road).
So I have a great deal of opinion with absolutley nothing solved....

Buy what you want and "Auto" has nothing to do with being "lazy"...................... It has more to do with simplicity.................


All the Best

Zeb

www.eotb.ca

[Zebco99]

Guys and Gals.......
There are always those who love the manual trans and those who love stick...I have used both and I find running on the trails that I hit up here in the "Great White North" that the auto is the way to go. I ripped the 5speed out of my YJ and now run a 3 speed auto on the trails with a B&M sports ratchet shifter..
The Rubi I have ordered is going to have an Auto.
When you are almost upside down on a slope stuck on a rock and "between it and a hard place" and a large tree up against your door.... clutching can suck sometimes......well actually.... alot of times.
A great deal of people in the club I belong to are switching to auto. I think that If you are serious about offroading with "ease" that the Auto is the way to go. If you plan on taking it off the line faster than the modified Honda beside you , or running the highway and alot of town streets ? then the manual is the way to go. .....(then again we still have the hard liners in the club that swear by the manual for off road).
So I have a great deal of opinion with absolutley nothing solved....

Buy what you want and "Auto" has nothing to do with being "lazy"...................... It has more to do with simplicity.................


All the Best

Zeb

[url]www.eotb.ca

[Brettzky-JK757]

6 spd for me, lucky the wife can drive stick... :rotflmao1:

I had to go with the auto because the wife can't drive stick. :embarrased: :redx:

[CHOPPER]

I used to have a'68 Chevy stepside pickup that had a manual tranny. It had been converted from three on the tree to a floor shifter....I miss driving that thing sooo bad, so for me there was no other choice...six speed or nothing at all.

[apretto]

In regards to the Transmission ,

Does anyone know if the Auto can be towed behind my RV , And if so do you know the procedure?

Thnx

[Archer]

In regards to the Transmission ,

Does anyone know if the Auto can be towed behind my RV , And if so do you know the procedure?

Thnx

Yes, I believe all you do is put the trans case in neutral that way the rear and front drive lines are disco'd at least that is what the jeep web site says in their little animation they show for the 4x4

http://www.jeep.com/en/wranglers/capability.html?feature=fourwheel

[MrMootsie]

auto, 'cause I'm married.

[kdubber]

Stick, because I'm married to a keeper.

[Brettzky-JK757]

Stick, because I'm married to a keeper.

Well played!

:2thumbs:

[ccdjeep]

six speed cause I ordered BEFORE I got engaged...that and she wants the "pretty red" YJ with the auto & the V8. I found a keeper too! :2thumbs: :yup:

[TexasChopper]

I would have perferred an auto, but with large tires, and towing a small trailer it would really have to be tough. I know towing the trailer with my TJ was rough with my 5 speed

[JK4ME]

6 speed. My daily driver. Wife said she can relearn on it in case she needs it some time. We'll see. I bought a 5 speed before when I should have purchased the automatic (for the wife). I can always use the excuse we need some upgrades, ie exhaust, intake and chip to make it easier to take off. Once she is going it is okay.

[Nefarious]

Auto so the wife can drive it once in a while.

[sponge]

I wrestled with this decision for a week to the point I was losing sleep. I have wanted a Wrangler for 8 years but it just would not work for me prior to the 4 door version. I had always expected to get a stick, case closed. I like driving a stick alot and have enjoyed it in many cars.

After much consideration and against all these best laid plans I ended up getting the automatic. I am not really sure why exactly and I am sure I would have had regrets with either choice after deliberating for so long on which one. Here is the best explanation i can give after much research and thought.

A. While I loved the stick for joy riding and test drives and it was a blast, there was a small part of me that wondered if there would be days I just wanted to lean back with the wind in my hair and take in the world without being so in tune to the vehicle itself and the rpm's. Sure, I may not have tired of the shifting but the thought was there.

B. The auto was still AMAZING. Drivine a jeep is not like driving anything else. I thought losing the shifting control would diminish the fun as it does in other cars I have owned but it didnt. The ride and character of the Wrangler is so unique I was having a blast even with the auto. Despite the reviews I felt like I could pretty much get just as much oomph from the auto by learning how it liked to be driven. I think the recent TSB made a big difference in that as well.

C. The Unlimited is larger and the "feel" was a little different than the 2 door and TJ's I have driven. In the SWB I never would have considered the auto as they really are so compact. The Unlimited just had a little more weight to it and while still very exciting to drive it wasnt quite the "seat of my pants" excitement I remembered from rowing the gears in smaller Wranglers. It seemed a little less sporty and a little more utility.

D. I have never off-roaded and I readily admit my primary love of Wranglers stems from the desire to have a convertible that can still carry gear, kids, dogs, etc. That said, everyone says the bug will bite ya and I am sure that is possible. With that in mind I would think the auto will be much better for a newbie to off-roading.


Things I do regret with my choice:
A. The control is fun. I do miss that. It does seem to lose a little sportiness without the stick.
B. It does scream Jeep to have the most basic transmission. Then again the new jeeps are not exactly "primitive" anymore.
C. Being able to modify my driving for fun versus seeing how good of gas mileage I can get...and it does appear the manuals are spanking the autos in mpg.

At the end of the day I am having a blast with every drive of my new jeep without a stick so I am not entirely sure what I would have gained with the stick. Sure, it might have been a tiny bit more exciting for joy riding but that would have carried some trade offs for those times a stick is not the best situation.

I am getting closer to "no regrets" with each passing day but it really did come down to a coin flip.

[kdubber]

Sponge: Well expressed! :yup:

[JKAbomb]

Ordered My Black Rubi with 6 Speed.Should have in about 4-6 weeks. Im new to jeep and owed a H2 about 2 years ago. Biggest mistake of my life!! I look forward to getting to know everyone on here.

[hangfire]

I went with the 6. I just like to have a standard tranny I suppose. I learned to drive that way, might as well keep it going. Plus, I've driven the auto too and it just wasn't as fun. The power band through the gears took a little getting used to coming out of a car. I love it though.

[sponge]

I do have to admit despite my lengthy rambling I do regret not going with the 6speed. The more I drive this thing, the more fun it is....and I cant help but think how much more fun it could be. I did not realize I would be so attached to it and now that I am I sort of long for the most involved experience possible.

It might be the only thing that gets me to trade this thing in at some point...but only to get the exact same thing in a manual tranny. Second guessing is a horrible thing, lol.

[jkrubi]

I went with the auto. 2 main reasons: 1) I could not walk away from the only 2-door JK I had seen with 100% of what I was looking for except the 6-speed - especially after I drove it. 2) Mama was being really, really nice and wanted the auto. How could I say no?

I had an auto in my TJ and broke nothing while going everywhere I wanted. When you're tasting the upholstery it's nice to have that extra control. Downside is lack of compression braking, even with the 4:1 t-case. It is much better in the JK (better brakes and 4:1 t-case), but my TJ was in the "N" position on many a descent because my brakes were not inspiring confidence.

[clubber]

Said I would never get a black vehicle or a manual again !! Ordered the 2dr rubi with both...ahh well.....

[Dutch]

I've been a clutch guy all my life, there was never any real choice. Besides, autos just bore the hell outa me. :yup:

[HappyCurmudgeon]

I still wish i had gotten the 6 speed...
:sad:

The prettier half wanted auto. What else need i say? :naw:

"Auto 'cuz she said so" needs to be on the poll.

[Dutch]

Ordered My Black Rubi with 6 Speed.Should have in about 4-6 weeks. Im new to jeep and owed a H2 about 2 years ago. Biggest mistake of my life!! I look forward to getting to know everyone on here.

Black is a complete pain in the neck to keep clean.......but when they are clean, they're the classiest autos in town. :yup:

[dwlb]

:confused: :naw: Going with the Auto - ( bum knee) test drove 6 speed.:sad:

[bfl]

I JUST PICKED UP MY SAHARA YESTERDAY........I INITIALLY TEST DROVE A AUTO, WHEN LOOKING INTO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.

AT THE TIME I MADE THE DEAL ON THE JEEP (OVER THE PHONE) I HAD TO CHOOSE ON 6SPD OR AUTO.......I WENT WITH 6SPD WITHOUT EVEN TRYING IT.

ALTHOUGH IVE ONLY HAD IT FOR A SHORT TIME, I AM VERY HAPPY I WENT THE WAY I DID. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT 6SPD IS FUN TO DRIVE, BUT IT ALSO HELPS WITH SLUGGISH ACCELERATION.......

THAT SAID.....YOU REALLY HAVE TO DO A LOT OF SHIFTING (IN LOWER GEARS 1-2-3......YOU CANT DO VERY HIGH SPEEDS WITHOUT REVING THE ENGINE....SO YOU HAVE TO BE INTO THAT......

OVERALL......MY OPINION IS...IF YOU CAN DRIVE STICK......GET ONE...

bfl

[Cruiser]

Auto, cause its hard to shift without spilling the beer,, No, actually 2 bad knees and a wife that I wont teach to drive a stick. I also ride and race dirtbikes, On more than one occasion I had to drive home with one working leg. Its hard to drive an auto even with only a left leg, try driving a stick 2 hrs plus, towing a trailer on mountain roads.
SC

[nader]

I was able to drive a 2dr, 6spd rubicon last night and I thought the clutch and tranny felt fine. nothing jumped out at me that was bad.

Can some of the automatic owners elaborate on their experiences. I drove an auto TJ a few years back and the tranny left a lot to be desired. I am currently spoiled becuase the 5spd auto in my tacoma is a smooth crisp shifting tranny that has spoiled me. If the auto even close then I thionk I would sway the way of the auto just becuase off-roading is much more relaxed and comfortable.

nader

[sponge]

Nader I drove both and enjoyed both alot. I think you would find the automatic has a little more mind of its own than your 5 speed Tacoma...but once you learn how it likes to be treated you can make it pretty responsive.

I like that you can turn off overdrive with the touch of a button, that has come in handy on hills. I have also enjoyed learning exactly how much pedal play it likes to hold certain gears a little longer. There are times it wants to shift at times I would rather it didnt, but that happens less and less.

I found both trannies pretty equal on moving up to speed, although the manual feels a little bit more powerful simply because you can rev it to higher rmp's but they are honestly pretty equal. I find it to have plenty of power for a Wrangler

I went auto for the same reason you cited you are considering it. When I am out for a ride on the pavement I miss the engaged driving and have had second thoughts at those moments. I am looking forward to doing some exploring though and I think the auto will shine because I really want to be more tuned to the experience and being out in my jeep and it will be nice to not have to be mindful of shifting and clutching.

Both are so fun to drive.

[.45Hardboil]

Auto for the convenience and a little easier on the trails. I like not having to think too much while exploring.

Plus I can eat, drink, talk on the cell, shave, read, do road rage, pick my nose, and sleep much easier with an A/T. :eek!:

[im4degreesaboveu]

6sp. FTW!!! i dont think ill ever own an auto.

[Wolfshead]

6sp FTW

Last automatic I owned was an '82 Ford Futura. Ran it into the ground.

3 successive Rodeos, all manual

As long as the left leg works, it will be pushin a clutch

[ZachMan]

auto with 4.88s and 35s FTW

I've owned a 5-speed TJ and it was okay, but if you really offroad you know whats up....especially when I am in a new $30k Jeep and trying my best not to tear it up too bad, one less thing to worry about.

In the end an auto thats regeared is gonna be faster than a manual thats for sure too.

[Patriot]

I'm usually pretty good with internet acronyms but I've never seen and can't quite figure out what 'FTW' means. Anyone?

Patriot

[sponge]

I'm usually pretty good with internet acronyms but I've never seen and can't quite figure out what 'FTW' means. Anyone?

Patriot


I *think* it means "for the win".

[im4degreesaboveu]

for all you guys out there who say you bought your auto for your wife i'll tell you this my wife wont let me get an auto (not that i wanted one) she loves driving a manual her car is a manual, our previous car was a manual, and my car when we first started dating was a manual, i relearned her on it and its been nothing but manuals from then on and man does that make me happy!!!

edit: FTW is for the win

[utjeeper]

So for those of you have have had a TJ auto, how does the TK auto compare?

[Rubidozer]

I'm not lazy! An automatic transmits less shock to the drivetrain. So when other jeeps are breaking driveshafts and axles and wearing-out their motor\tranny mounts, I'm good to go. I love to rock-crawl, and autos are definitely the way to go. I've seen more people stuck trying to shift and roll to get out, when an automatic lets you just shift your gear and hold it. Alot of autos are electronically controlled which provides better shift-points than anybody could slap a clutch-peddle and throw a gear...

[LT-Eng32ine]

My Uncle owns a dealership and I took the first Unlimited that he had. Happened to be an auto, plus my wife can't drive stick!

[JeeperTJ]

Difficult decision, I ordered a reb rubi 6spd, but I couldn't wait for it, so I bought an auto with a 4.10 ltd slip rear...After driving the first 1,000 miles, I could not be happier with the auto, it's a nice upgrade over my 4 cyl 5spd TJ.

The JK auto rocks...............Ciao! Ted

[jeeper78]

Where's the "I can't decide" option?

I've always owned MT vehicles, but I had decided that if I ever bought a new Jeep, it would be an auto because of the benefits on the trail... however, the auto's currently are having issues with shift points and tire size increases. So I just don't know :confused: :thinking: :sad:

[astrogiblet]

This has to be the hardest possible question of all for jeeps. Haha.

Seriously.. There are so many pros and cons to each!

Pros for Manual:
-More control over your power
-More fun to drive *sometimes*
-Easier and cheaper to maintain
-Everybody that gets in your car isnt going to ask "can I drive it" because 90% of them can't drive stick
-You can get bigger tires/lift kit with less risk of considerably slowing down your jeep or altering its offroad ability

Pros for auto:
-You can eat and drive without having to be on the freeway
-You can talk on your cellphone without having to be on the freeway
-Both of the top two I do not recommend doing
-On those days where your REALLY tired or during REALLY late nights you can be lazy as hell and still get to where you wanna go


Now I have a few things to look at personally. I go to a LOT of LAN parties and party's where I am up until early hours in the morning, and when I leave I'm extremely tired physically and mentally... Do I want to have to shift my car between gears in that state? Will I even be able too?

On long road trips with my family, or when I'm going down to Florida (1000 mile trip) with my family for work, will we be able to switch drivers? My dad hasnt driven a stick in probably 25 years, although I'm sure he could get back into the feeling of it pretty quickly.. I dont think my mom has EVER driven stick..

I am 6'5 with size 16 mens shoes (and not done growing).. can I comfortably lift my foot to reach the clutch? Can I fit both of my feet in that little area where all three pedals are? Can I wear boots in the winter and do the same thing?

My main concern is that I get a stick shift tranny, and start offroading, and realize I absolutely hate offroading with a stick shift. That its too difficult to judge what gear I should be in, or that I get in too many shitty situations and dont know what to do or even worse just lock up.. Or that I'm bumping around so much I can't accurately shift.. Or that those situations you get in that are extremely scary (am I gonna tip? I am gonna flip?) and you dont really know if your gonna make it through are just made SO much more worse because you dont know what you should do to make it easier.. Like if I'm feeling like I am gonna flip backwards, should I be in a higher or lower gear? lol... I dont know.. so many things worry me..

This will be my first Jeep, and I will just be getting into doing serious offroading.. Do I want to have to learn a ton of new things all at once, or get an auto for now, and worry about stick shift on my next jeep purchase and be able to just focus on learning how my vehicle handles in situations, and learning what to do/how to do it?

I think I'm gonna end up going with an auto just to stay on the safe side..


-Brandon

[thurston_howell_III]

damn this is a tough decision.... i never know what to do with my left foot though when i drive auto... it gets ancy :confused:

[toos]

I test drove both the 6-speed and the auto. I was interested in the 6-speed because I like manual and it just seemed to be what you would normally get with a Wrangler. Traffic here is terrible though, and I could see myself shifting constantly in stop and go driving. Auto seems better to me for off-road. If you've ever driven a hydrostatic tractor vs. a manual on uneven ground, you find yourself wishing for the hydrostatic. Seems like this wouild apply to the JK as well in off-road driving. Am putting the money down for a 4-DR Sahara Unlimited soon.:yup:

[SpinningBull]

I went with the 6-speed, even though I have a long commute to the city. It was too much fun!

[b1pig]

after test driving the very first Rubicon delivered to the local dealer, I bought it.

Rubicon with Freedom Top and auto.

I likes.

Also, having owned a '73 CJ5 and a '98 ZJ... wheeling both of them in a variety of conditions the auto won.

[Plugjug]

I thought i wanted the stick until I took a Jeep tour in Sedona, NM. The driver said all the drivers for the company prefer the autos. By the way this is when the Jeep bug bit me. A month later I ordered the Rubi. Now it's just a waiting game.

[obxjeep]

6 Spd for me, as you can tell from my signature, I am partial to Manuals!! :yup: Plus, most of the off-roading that I will be doing with this JK is on a sandy beach. Some of you mentioned burning out clutches on the trail with a manual, and yes I can vouch for that since I have seen it done, not me though... Manual just gives you that extra little challenge I like on the trail. To each his own :D

[possumface]

my last truck was stick im tired of shifting all the time & my leg hurts from clutch...ok the truth is im getting lazy:embarrased:

[mbanik]

Stick, because I'm married to a keeper.

ha ha, awesome... stick for because every time I drive an auto I jam the brake with my left foot thinking it's the clutch ... tried many times to deprogram myself but it ain't working... as for getting stuck in a hard place with a clutch... practice makes perfect.

[Windwalker]

I went with the Auto...so my wife would drive it too (she can drive a stick but avoids them) The 4.10 gear ratio was a nice bonus for going auto.

[superboo]

I went with the Auto...so my wife would drive it too (she can drive a stick but avoids them) The 4.10 gear ratio was a nice bonus for going auto.

you paid $50 for that nice bonus :o

[Orange68RS]

If they were the same price I would probably go for the auto just for convenience but just can't bring myself to pay the extra cash for it when I really do like the manual better.

[GiovaniCustoms]

I orderd the six speed for rock crawling and a tad better milage.
My brother orderd the six speed cause his wife can't drive a stick ( he accidently forgot about that) But will remember when it gets here and she sees it, LOL :eek!:

[AZToad]

Rented a 6 speed last summer and loved it. OK so a couple of times it was a bit hairy - but it was still a blast!

Initially ordered the 6 but had to change to the auto this past fall - didn't think I had a choice. Left knee started going downhill rapidly so changed to auto. Driving our other stick became a chore and the fun was gone.

Wish I had known the surgery would be as successful as it was. Tried to change back to the 6 but I'd already gone to D and the dealer suggested that after waiting many months - changes would not help get the vehicle to me any faster.

Just hope I don't always regret the auto - and maybe those steep narrow gorges won't be quite so disconcerting to the wife!

[rupedog]

Manual is the only way to go. Both my wife and I like to shift.

[GMAN]

I'm surprised how many automatics people have voted.

[SabrToothSqrl]

auto; auto; auto!

i will not say it again!

[ROKLIMO]

When it became apparent that DC had no intention of building my jeep:mad: , I searched for one equipped the way I wanted. Do you know how few Rubicon Unlimiteds there are out there on dealer's lots?:thinking:
Well, most of them that I found had the auto, so that's what I got. It's not bad, but as underpowered as the V6 is:naw: , I still wish I had the 6 speed.

[FiveOff]

I was planning on ordering the 6speed, but ended up finding a JK locally that had everything I wanted except it had Auto. Between my impatience and my wife's preference for Auto, we decided to get the local JK. I thought I'd miss having the manual trans, but I'm really liking the auto. (I still have my 5speed TJ when I need a fix)

[HappyCurmudgeon]

I dont dislike the automatic so much as i just prefer to shift. *shrugs* this is only the second automatic i have owned.

My tractors and my bike are manuals, i guess it is all in that i am used to it. I know auto's are great offroad and alot of crawlers employ them. - Just not my thing. But until i replace this Jeep, that is what i have. Once the prettier half gets a new vehicle and we push the minivan over the Falls, and the Jeep novelty gets a bit more mundane to her, she wont be wanting to drive it as much, so then i will likely get the standard i really want.

[AZToad]

Yep - our minivan has the for sale sign up and I can't wait for that to be gone.

Three bikes are all going up for sale too! Around here, it is just too dangerous. We've had three fatal bike crashes within 1 mile radius this year from high school kids not seeing them. The jeep is my "wind in the face" option.

Considering our mostly city driving, I can only hope that I'll find a good reason to justify getting another jeep - and next time it will be a stick!

Auto is ok but the stick is just too much fun!

[HappyCurmudgeon]

"Auto is ok but the stick is just too much fun!"

Well, i guess that right there purdy much sums it all up for me. :2thumbs:

[JBColorado]

Auto. Never even considered a manual.

[07JKX]

i selected an auto, NOT b/c i am lazy, but rather b/c i drive in peak Rush Hour times and I work 45 miles away from my house in ATLANTA!

Not, to nit pick, but i seriously doubt that those who drive an auto are lazy.

My mercedes was an auto, so was my ranger, and my first wrangler.

Can i drive a manual?? yes... and i prefer to if i did not work in atlanta or at least worked odd hours when there was no traffic.

Beside, how am i supposed shave, talk on my cell phone, and email clients while i am driving a stick?? That would be DANGEROUS! jeeeez ;)

[HappyCurmudgeon]

[SNIP]

Beside, how am i supposed shave, talk on my cell phone, and email clients while i am driving a stick?? That would be DANGEROUS! jeeeez ;)


..... :LOL: .....

[Foo]

So all my 4 wheel verhicles have been manuals. I loved the YJ with it's 5 speed, but the 05 Ruib with the 6th speed felt like a logging truck. It was way slower than my 05 5 speed, and speed shifting was not a possibility.

So I'm going auto this time. When I shift, I don't like to wait 2 seconds between gears to match up the correct RPM.

I'll be using my motorcycle for my Shifting fix! :2thumbs:

[SrfrGrl]

i got the 6spd mainly because it's way more fun to drive but also because what guy doesnt think a chick driving a jeep is hot...and her driving a 6spd jeep is even hotter!! :rotflmao1:

[rupedog]

i got the 6spd mainly because it's way more fun to drive but also because what guy doesnt think a chick driving a jeep is hot...and her driving a 6spd jeep is even hotter!! :rotflmao1:

I think my wife is hot no matter what she is driving.:D

[Fozz]

I went 6 speed because I tell my vehicle when to shift, it is way more fun to drive, I have a short daily drive and I'll probibly be pulling trailers now and then on the weekends too.

[atvin411]

Who thinks what?/????

[bim6180]

Stick of course....more fun to drive...

Auto is too boring for me.....but that's just me :D

[jeepinoutwest]

stick, but make this thread a poll

[tjworld]

I love shifting my stick, wait that didn't sound right...

If I was using it as a dedicated offroad toy I would go auto, otherwise every vehicle I own will be a stick. I can't stand not shifting. I also like having the control over the vehicle. Like being in second or third and just pushing down on the gas without having the tranny make up it's mind on what gear to be in, I already know what gear for how much power I need.
I have a tendency to stomp on the floor with my left foot and shift into N while driving an auto.

[Mark Doiron]

I went with the Auto...so my wife would drive it too (she can drive a stick but avoids them) The 4.10 gear ratio was a nice bonus for going auto.
I got the 4:10s with a 6-speed because I selected the trailer package.

[Audiophiliac]

I am getting ready to place my order for a '08 and this is the last decision I have to make.....auto or manual?

My long term plan is to make it a trail/rock machine....almost exclusively...it will eventually not be driven on the street much, if at all.

It seems that all the forums and boards I have searched this topic on, its about 50/50. There are pros and cons to each, obviously.

I guess my biggest question is the durability/longevity of the stock auto. in the JK. Will it need anything done to it to make it stronger or last longer? I will be adding lockers and a t-case down the road...maybe at some point doing 1-ton axles...etc..etc.

I have never been rock-crawling...well not as a driver anyway. So I dont really have anything to compare the 2 on as far as "ease of use" on the rocks goes. Some say auto is easier to drive, some say manual is better....

So any JK drivers out there who spend a LOT of time on the rocks, chime in with your experiene. Especially if you have experience with both trannies. Thanks!

[canuckian]

funny enough, my wife chose the stick even though she's never owned a manual transmission vehicle in her life. The one she test drove was an auto and she hated the way it shifted so, after listening to me rave about manual transmissions and about how you "drive a standard" and simply "aim an automatic" vehicle, she opted for the 6 speed. It took her all of 5 minutes to get used to the clutch and, though she's still a little rough getting it up to 3rd gear, she loves it! She drives it everywhere and though I kindly offer to drive from time to time, the closest I've gotten to driving it is bringing it form the driveway into the garage :sad: I guess I'll have to wait till they come out with a diesel rubicon in yellow or orange and get my own!!

[Zee]

I'm surprised there are more 6spd out there, but this poll may be skewed.

[MJS_Jeep_888]

I'm surprised there are more 6spd out there, but this poll may be skewed.

And I bet at least 33% of those people that voted for the 6-speed bought an Automatic, either because of their commute, spouse, etc... EVERYONE likes the idea of a manual transmission in theory, but not everyone chooses to buy one.

I like the convenience of my Auto, and it goes so well with the 3.8L that I have no complaints - I can force a downshift easily, at will, and it upshifts smoothly too... not to mention that we all know Autos are better for offroading.

(I'm kidding - they ARE better, but this has been argued to death already).

[steve_bk]

Got an Auto with the 4.10.

[-=Gar=-]

Always do what your wife tells you!!!

Ya right... :rotflmao2:

[chesapeakebayprints]

As a decrepit old man of 62, this is my 7th Jeep...the first 5, starting back in '71 were all manual...back in '02, I decided to give my left leg a rest after spending 4 hours feathering the clutch coming home from a NASCAR race in Dover, DE...the automatic spoiled me till late last year, when I saw the JKs coming out...after much soul searching, at order time, I went with the 6-speed...off-roading in my area means swamps, mud, sandy beaches (surf fishing) and very few big rocks, like most of you enjoy...the manual tranny handles my area very well, I think better than the automatic I had in the last Wrangler... I do think the 6th gear isn't really necessary, it only drops the rpms about 150 rpms from 5th, and it will really lug on even some gentle Interstate hills...also,
the 4.10 helps with the 6 speed...

[pcdesharnais]

I got mine with an auto and I regret it. My wife can't drive a stick, so that is the only reason why I got the auto. I wish I forced her to learn to drive the :naw: stick on my old YJ before I traded it in. The auto has stuck on me in park a couple of times and the shifting is really rough, the RPMs on one shift were up to 5000 before engaging.